The death of Assata Shakur, godmother to late rapper Tupac Shakur, is stirring controversy, with FBI Director Kash Patel calling her a terrorist and denouncing those mourning her.
In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday morning, Patel referred to Shakur by her birth name, Joanne Chesimard, claiming she was never a freedom fighter or activist, but instead a convicted murderer who evaded justice.
FBI Calls Shakur a “Terrorist”
Patel reminded the public that Shakur was convicted in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. He condemned the fact that she later escaped from prison in 1979 with assistance from the Black Liberation Movement and found asylum in Cuba under Fidel Castro.
“Mourning her is spitting on the badge and the blood of every cop who gave their life in service,” Patel wrote, emphasizing the FBI’s stance that her crimes should not be overlooked, despite her connection to Tupac.
Death Confirmed in Cuba
Shakur passed away last week in Havana, Cuba, of health complications and advanced age, according to reports. Her daughter confirmed she had taken her “last earthly breath”, and the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly released a statement verifying her death.
Legacy and Controversy
Assata Shakur has long been a polarizing figure in American history. Supporters have celebrated her as a symbol of resistance and racial justice, while critics, including law enforcement, view her as a fugitive and murderer. Patel’s post underscores this division, asserting that public mourning disregards the lives of officers like Trooper Foerster.
Despite the controversy, Shakur’s influence remains notable in cultural and activist circles, not least because of her connection to hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, who often referenced her in his music and public statements.
Key Facts:
- Assata Shakur (Joanne Chesimard) died in Havana, Cuba
- Convicted in 1977 for murdering NJ State Trooper Werner Foerster
- Escaped prison in 1979 with help from Black Liberation Movement
- Granted asylum in Cuba by Fidel Castro
- FBI Director Kash Patel calls her a “terrorist” and condemns public mourning
Patel’s remarks have reignited debates about how controversial figures are remembered, particularly when they are tied to popular culture icons.
Stay Informed: This story continues to develop as tributes and critiques of Assata Shakur circulate online, highlighting the complex legacy of one of America’s most controversial historical figures.
